MR. J. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the destitute condition of the Christian refugees around Candia; whether daily skirmishes still take place on the Turkish lines, and whether two Christians were recently fired upon by Turkish soldiers at Arkhanes and killed; and what steps the Powers propose to take to stop these outrages and to relieve the starving population of the island?
MR. CURZONThe refugees at Paleocastron, near Candia, have now all returned to their homes, and Sir Alfred Biliotti reports to us that the arrangements 1515 made by Sir Herbert Chermside for the distribution of relief to the suffering district of Pediala are excellent. Skirmishing, or rather desultory firing, in which both parties join, continues in the neighbourhood of the cordon, but we have not heard of the particular incident mentioned in the Question. The late Turkish Governor at Candia, having exercised insufficient control, has been replaced. Further measures for communication with the interior and relief to the people are under the consideration of the Council of Admirals.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)Will the relief be given to the Mahomedans as well as the Christians?
MR. CURZONOf course, no distinction is drawn by Admirals in these matters between Mahomedans and Christians.